Envelop sealing and stamping machine.



W. H. HANGER. ENvELoP SEALING AND STAMPING MACHINE.

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APPLICATION FILED .IUNE I?. 1912.

QXL/ineens W. H. HANGER.

ENvELoP SEALING AND STAMPING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED lUNE 17, 1912.

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W. H. HANGER. lENvELoP SEALING AND STM/Pme MACHINE.

APPLICATION FiLED JUNE l?, I 9l2. 1,192,625.

Patented July 25, 1916.

`5 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

wbb/momo W, H. HANGER.

ENvELoP SEALING AND STAMPING MACHINE.

APPLICATIUN FILED JUNE 17, 1912.

Patented July 25, 1916.

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W. H. HANGER. ENVELOP SEALING AND STAMPING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED IuNE I7, 1912.

l ,l 92,625. Patented July 25, 1916.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

wh/wonen WADE HAMPTON HANGER, OF WILKINSBRG, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR OF ONE- FOURTH T0 FORREST C. REED, OF EASTON, PENNSYLVANIA.

ENVELOP SEALING AND STAMPING MACHINE.

miennes.

Application filed .Tune 17, 1912.

To all fio/wm t may concern:

Be it known that I, VADE HAMPTON I-Lnvenn, a citizen of the United States of America., and resident of lVill/insburg, county of Allegheny, and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Envelop Sealing and Stamping Machines, of which the following is a specification.

An object of this invention is to produce an improved machine for sealing envelops, fixing the postage stamps thereon, and for perforating the stamps prior to ailixing them to the envelops.

A further object is to produce an organized apparatus having an envelop sealing and stamp ailixing means in which means are employed for instantaneously rendering the stamp aiiixing means operative or inoperative, as desired.

These and other objects attain in a machine embodying the features herein described, and illustrated in the drawings and forming a part of this application.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a plan view of a machine embodying` my invention. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the machine shown in Fig. 1, a portion being broken away for convenience of illustration. Fig. 3 is a fragmental sectional view along the line 3 3 of Fig. l. Fig. #l is a fragmental sectional view along the line 4 1 of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a sectional view along the line 5 -5 of Fig. 1, portions being broken away for convenience of illustration. Fig. G is a view of a portion of the machine taken along the line G G of Fig. 1 and looking in thc direction of the arrows. Fig. 7 is a fragmental sectional view along the line 7 7 of Figl. Figs. 8 and 9 are respectively, fragmental sectional views along. the lines 3 8 and 9 9 of Fig. 1. Fig. 10 is a detail sectional view of the stamp perforating mechanism.

The machine illustrated includes means for moistening the gummed surfaces of the flaps of the envelops, delivered to the machine, means for turning each flap back against the envelop body after it has been moistened and means for exerting a sealing pressure on the flap, after it has been moved against the envelop body. The machine also includes means for moistening the upper Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented July 25, i916.

serial No. 704,023.

right hand corner of each envelop passing through it, preparatory to afixing a stamp on the envelop. Means are also employed for applying the gummed side of a stamp to the mostened portion of the envelop and aflixing it thereto by exerting a yielding pressure on it. The stamp aiiixing means form a part of mechanisms for feeding stamps from an inclosed casing and for perforating each stamp before it is affixed to the envelop. Envelops delivered to the machine, illustrated, are moved through the machine by a series of feed rollers which are arranged in coperating sets. The feed rollers are so actuated and controlled that each envelop stops twice in its passage through the machine; first, during the flapfolding operation; and second, during the stamp aftixing operation. The stamp feeding and aflixing means is so arranged that it can be rendered operative or inoperative while the envelop feeding and sealing means are operating, and consequently the envelops passing through the machine may be sealed without being stamped or they may be sealed and stamped, or the machine may be operated to deliver perforated stamps without aflixing them to envelops.

The machine illustrated is adapted to feed envelops, with, their flaps extended, across the moistening roll 11 so that the gummed portions of the flaps are moistened preparatory for the sealing operation. The flap moistening, and the envelop feeding mechanisms illustrated both include a table 12, which extends the entire length of the machine and is slotted at intervals for the purpose of permitting the feeding rollers, located below the table, to engage and cow operate with rollers located above the table. The initial feeding mechanism consists of a roller 13, which is located below the table 12, and a cooperating roller 14:, located above the table. The roller 13 is rigidly mounted on a shaft 15,which extends transversely across the feed table 12 and is our naled in stationary bearings mounted on the table 12 or on the frame portion of the ma chine. The shaft 15 is provided with a bevel gear 1G, which meshes with a bevel gear 17, mounted on a driving shaft 18, which extends longitudinally of the machine and is itself driven by means hereinafter described. The upper feed roller 14 is mounted on-a'shaft 19 which extends parallel to the shaft 15 and is mounted in movable bearings, so arranged that the roller 14 is yieldingly forced downwardly toward the roller 13. Each bearing or journal box ofthe shaft 19 is provided with a downwardly extending lug to which a downwardly extending rod 21 is secured. Each rod 21 extends through a stationary gnide 22illustrated as formed integrally with the adjacent bearing of the shaft 15. The lower end of the rod projects downwardly below the guide and is surrounded by a coiled spring 23, which is held in place between the lower end of the guide and an adjusting nut 24 mounted on the rod. The springs 23 operate to yieldingly force their respective rods 21 downwardly and consequently to yieldingly force the roller 14 downwardly toward the roller 13. The downward pressure of the roller 14 may be varied by varying the positions of the nuts 24 and thereby varying the tension of the springs 23.

The flap inoistening mechanism illustrated consists of the roller 11, a tank Vor receptacle 25, adapted to contain liquid for wetting the roller, and a yielding Vdepressor 26, for holding the extended flap of each envelop in engagement with the roller 11 as the envelop is moved forward by the cooperating feed rollers 13 and 14. The roller 11 is shown axially alined with the roller 13, is adapted to extendbelow the surface of the water contained in the receptacle 25 and, like the roller 13, its peripheral face is substantially tangent to the plane of the top surface of the feed table 12. The depressor 2G may be formed in any suitable manner but it is Vso arranged that it cannot move into engagement with the peripheral face of the moistening roll 11. This is for the purpose of preventing theupper or outer portions of the flaps from being wet and is accomplished, in the apparatus illustrated, by pivotally mounting the depressor on a suitably located pin,27 and providing a spring for yieldingly holding it into engagement with a 'stationary stop 28, which is so located that the depressor cannot move into contact with the roller 11. The free, and envelop flap-receiving end of the depressor is curved upwardly above the roller 11 and the remainder of the depressor is lpreferably so formed that it extends down` wardly from its free end to a point below the plane of the surface ofthe table 12 in front of the roller 11. With this arrangement the free end of the depressor 26y willV `or other `fiexible connection 35.

13 and 14. After the flap of the envelop is moistened, the envelop is moved along the table 12 to such a position that it is engaged by the flap-closing means, which operates periodically and folds the moistened flap upwardly against the rbody of the envelop. Two sets of rollers 29 are employed for moving the envelop" forward to the rst stop position, in which it is engaged by the flap-folding mechanism. The top roller of each set is similar in all respects to the roller 14, and, like the roller 14, is journaled in spring' restrained, movable bearings.

The lower roller of each set is in some re' spects similar to the roller 13 and is actu- They are, howv lThe table 12 is also cut away, as shown at 30, so that it does not interfere with the envelop iiaps after they are folded back against tlie envelops.

As illustrated, the flap folding mechanism consists of a folder 31, which is mounted on a shaft 32, and is actuated by means of a cam 33, through the agency of a bell crank or bent lever 34 and a spring restrained belt The folder 31, as illustrated, consists of a piece of sheet metal, which is bent so that it is provided with a i flat flap-engaging face which is moved forward by the cam to a position such that it engages and forces each flap up wardly and holds it in the raised position, and forces the envelop against the upper Vroller of the second set of rollers 29.

The flexible connection 35 is shown wound once around the shaft 32, or a spool rigidly mounted on the shaft, and one end is secured to the lower end of the bell-crank 34 while the other end is secured to the movable end of a coiled spring 36. The hell crank 34 is provided with a cam-engaging roller, and the cam surfaces of the cam 33 are so formed that they shift the bell crank 34 so as to move the folder 31 from a backwardly inclined position, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 8, to the horizontal position, shown in full lines in Fig. 8, and the spring 36, -then returns the folder to the vertical position.

' The cam Vsurfaces are also so formed, that the operation of the folder 31 maybe timed in accordance with the passage of envelops through the machine, so that it will move forwardly and engage a depending flap on an envelop as the envelop is fed forward by the two sets of feed rollers 29.

As each envelop reaches a position in the machine, such that its forward edge is coincident with the dot-and-dash line, shown at 37 in Fig. 1, the envelop Lfeed mechanism is stopped and the envelop remains stationary on the table 12. During this period the operation of folding back the flap is completed and the moistenii'ig mechanism, employed for moistening the upper right hand corners of the envelope, starts to operate and moves so that it will occupy an operative position with relation to the envelop, held in place between the feed rollers, 29, as soon as the feed rollers start to move the envelop forward from the first stop position.

The corner moistenmg mechanism, as illustrated, consists of a wiper 3S, an actuating cam 39, an intermediate lever 41 between the cam and the wiper and a reciprocal standard 42 for the wiper. The wiper shown, consists of a felt or fabric flap which hangs down from an arm 43, mounted on the standard 42, and which is capable of being moved downwardly into a receptacle 44, located below the surface of the table 12, and adapted to contain water or other moistening liquid, for wetting the wiper 3S. The standard 42 extends downwardly through a guide 45, which is shown as integrally formed with the frame of the machine, (see Fig. 9), and a coil spring 4G surrounds the lower end of the standard 42 and operates between the frame portion ofthe machine and an adjustable nut 47 carried by the standard, to yieldingly force the standard to its lowest position. The standard is operatively connected to the lever 41 by means of a slot and pin connection and the spring 46 operates through the standard to hold the cam roller, with which the lever is provided, in engagement with the cam 39. The cam surfaces are so formed that the standard is depressed, so that the wiper moves into the liquid, contained in the tank 44, while the feed mechanisms are inoperative and then moves to such 'a position that its lower1 end will be engaged by the envelop passing along the table `iust as it proceeds past the first stop position. The cam operates to hold the wiper in contact with the envelop for a short time only, and only until enough of the envelop is moistened to insure the affixing of a stamp. The cam then operates to raise the standard so that the wiper 3S, is held out of contact with the surface of the envelop as it proceeds along the table to the next, or second stop position,as another envelop moves up to the first stop position. The wiper is preferably held in the raised position until the next envelop is moved to the first stop position or until the feed mechanisms are again brought to rest. This, however, is not absolutely necessary, and the operating mechanism may be arranged, soV

that the operation of the wiper is not identical with the operation above described.

The table is so formed that it supports the entire envelop after the envelop has passed the first stoppositionl This is accomplished by increasing its width so that the inner edge is located substantially in line with the line of travel of the upper edges of the envelops passing through the machine. The flap-folding folder 31 is so formed that its forward edge is located immediately adjacent to the edge of the table shown at 48 in Fig. 1 and it assists in guiding the forward edge of the envelop over the edge 48 of the table and thereby prevents the envelop from being crumpled as it moves forward from the first stop position and across the edge 48. As the envelop proceeds along the table it is engaged by the first of three sets of rollers 49, which are similar to the rollers 13 and 14 except that the upper rollers are shortened so that they do not engage the inoistened corners or the upper portions of the envelops. The lower rollers are of the same length as the roller 13 and extend sub stantially to the inner 'edge of the table. These rollers, like the roller 13, are driven by the shaft 18. lVhen the forward edge of the envelop has reached the second stop position, indicated by the dot-and-dash line at 51 in Fig. 1, the feeding mechanisms are again stopped and the envelop is held stationary for a moment while a postage stamp is affixed to its upper right hand and moistened corner.

The stamp aiiixing mechanism includes a stamp feeding device, a stamp perforating device and a stamp afiixing plunger, all of which coperate to feed the stamp forward from an inclosed casing, then to perforate the stamp and finally to stick it on the moistened portion of the envelop. The stamp feed mechanism is illustrated in Fig. t and consists of cam actuated rollers 52 and 5? which cooperate in feeding a strip of postage stamps from a roll 53, through a stamp guide 54, onto an anvil which forms a part of the stamp perforating mechanism. The feed mechanism also operates to advance the stamp beyond the'anvil after it has been perforated so that it occupies a position immediately below the stamp aifixingl plunger 56. As illustrated, the roller 52 is secured to a ratchet wheel 57 and is rotatively mounted on a rod G0 which will be hereinafter described. The ratchet wheel is also loosely mounted on the rod (30 and is adapted to be advanced by means of a pawl 58,101 the purpose of advancing the roll The pawl 5S is mounted on the end of a lever 59, which is operatively connected to a bell crank G1, by means of a link 62. The bell crank is provided with a cam engaging roller which is normally held in contact with the surface of a cam 63, shown in dotted lines in Fig. 4, and mounted on a cam shaft 64. As the cam G3 rotates it oscillates the lever 59 and thereby advances the roller 52 a pre-determined amount for each oscillation. The length of the lever arm and the bell crank are so proportioned with refer ence to the throw of the cam that the stamp Y strip, froml the roll 53, isradvancedl the length of one stamp during Veach forward motion of the ratchet wheel 57 and the roller 53. The lever 61 is connected to the linlr 62 by a slot and pin connection which may be `employed in varying the effective throw of the cam, and consequently the amount the strip is advanced during each forward 4motion of the ratchet. This construction is employed so that the machine may be adjusted to operate effectively with stamps of different sizes.

The stamp perforating mechanismillusf trated, includes a perforating die 65 which coperates with the anvil and is actuated by a cam 66 through the agency of a lever 67. The die is mounted on the lower end of a reciprocal rod 68, which is normally held in the raised position by means of a coil spring 69, which surrounds its upper end and is located between a yconveniently located guide bracletV 71, mounted on the frame, and an adjustable nut 72, mounted on the rod. rlhe lever is operatively connected to the rod by means of a slot and pin connection and the coil spring 69 operates to hold a cam roller, with which the lever is provided, against the surface of the cam 66.

.The cam is mounted on the shaft 69C and consequently operates in synchronism with the cam 63. The surface of the cam 66, is, however, so proportioned withv relationto the surface of the cam 63, that the die is moved downwardly into contact with the anvil 55 after the stamp feeding mechanism has operated to advance a stamp between the anvil and the die. llhe anvil 55 is mounted on the upper end of a rod 7 3, which is reciprocally mounted within a guide 74 and is held in its uppermost position by means of a coil spring 75 which surrounds the rod and is located between the anvil and the guide. The upward motion of the rod 73 is limited by means of a n ut or collar 76, which is mounted on the rod. The cam 66 is also so formed that it moves the die 65 downwardly while the stamp afiixing plunger 56 is being moved downwardly by means of a cam 77, which is also mounted on the shaft 64. The plunger 56 is mounted on the lower end of a reciprocal rod 78, which is movably mounted in the bracket 71 and is held in its uppermost position by means of a spring 69, similar to the spring 69. The rod 7 8 is actuated by the cam 77, through the agency of a lever 79 and a lost-motion connection which, as illustrated, consists of a collar S1, loosely mounted on the rod, operatively connected to the lever 79 by means of a pin and slot connection, and operatively connected to the rod 78 by means of a coiled spring 82, which surrounds the rod and is located between the collar 81 and an adjustable nut 83 on the rod. When the lever v7 9 is actuated by the cam, the rod 78 is moved downwardly through the agency of the spring v82 and in opposition to the pressure of the spring 69"'. `The cams 66 and 67 are so formed that the die 65 and the plunger 56 move down together until the plunger contacts with an envelop on the table 12 at which'time its downward motion is checked and the spring 82 starts tovyield. The slotted end of the actuating lever 79 will, however, continue to move downwardly, with the rod 68. The only effect of this m0- tion, however, is to place the spring 82 under greater tension and to increase the pressure of the plunger against the envelop as the collar 8l is moved down along the Y rod 78. Y

The stamp feed mechanism is so operated that it advances a perforated stamp to a position under the plunger 56 each time the roller 52 is advanced and consequently the die 65 and anvil carry two stamps with them as they move downwardly, one being located between the die and anvil and the other projecting beyond the anvil immediately below the plunger. The downward motion of the plunger afliXes the projecting stamp to the envelop and the continued motion of the die 65 below the surface of the table 12 detaches the afixed stamp from the strip of stamps, or from the stamp gripped between the anvil and the die. The plunger remains stationary on the aiiiXed stamp during the stamp severing operation and therefore holdsl the envelop in .place on the table 12. After a stamp has been afliXed to the envelop the plunger and the die move upward together and in this manner release the en velop so that it can be moved forward as soon as the envelop feed rollers are again rendered operative. The motion limiting collar 7 6, on the anvil support rod 73, is so located that the upward motion of the'anvil is checked before the die 65 has reached the upward limit of its motion. This permits the die to move away from the anvil and thereby liberates the perforated stamp so that it will be advanced past the anvil to a position immediately below the plunger during the next stamp feeding operation of the roller 52. lt will of course be understood, that initials or a distinctive design of any kind may be punched into the stamps by the perforating die.

rfhe guide 54:, as illustrated, consists of a metal chute or way, one end of which is supported and held in place, near the roller 52, by means of two stationary pins or guides. The other end is pivotally secured to the anvil 55 so that it moves up and down with the anvil. l have also shown means for adjusting the pressure of the roller 53 against the roller 52. The spindle of the roller 53 is journaled in open-ended vertically extending slots formed in a convenbrake wheel 9=l as one of its elements.

iently located portion of the machine casing. Adjustable springs 85 are employed for engaging the spindle and yieldingly forcing it toward the lower end of the slot.

The mechanism illustrated is adapted to be actuated by means of a motor 86, which is shown mounted on one corner of the frame of the machine and is connected to a pulley S7 which forms a part of the driving mechanisni of the machine. It will of course be understood that any suitable means may be employed for actuating the machine and that, if desired, it may be operated by hand, by substituting a hand wheel or crank for the motor. The pulley 87 is mounted on a transversely extending shaft 8S, upon which a worm 89 is mounted. The worm 89 meshes with and drives a worm wheel 90, which is loosely mounted on the end of the longitudinally extending shaft Gl, and is adapted to be operatively connected to the shaft by means of a friction cone or clutch mechanism 91.

The clutch mechanism illustrated consists of a conical member which is splined on the shaft Giland is yieldingly held .into gripping engagement with a flange 92 of the wheel 90, by means of a coil spring 93. The coil spring surrounds the shaft 641 and operates between the end of the longitudinally shiftable member 91 and a brake wheel 9st which is rigidly mounted on the shaft 64. rlhe member 91 is provided with an actuating lever 95, which is capable of shifting it along the shaft in opposition to the pressure of the spring 93 and which is fulcrumed on a conveniently located bracket of the frame portion of the machine. The lower end of the lever is pivotally secured to an operating bar 9G which extends longitudinally of the machine and presents its outer end at the envelop-receiving end of the machine, in a position convenient to the operator. lNhen the rod is pulled forward it actuates the lever 95 to shift the member 91 along the shaft and to thereby break the operative engagement between the worm wheel 90 and the shaft. The rod 9G also actuates a brake which operates to instantaneously check the motion of the operating parts of the machine, when the clutch member is disengaged from the wheel, and which includes thx-eL brake band 97, surrounds the wheel 91 and has its end secured to an operating lever 9S. Une cnd of the band 97 is secured at, or

near, the fulcrum point of the lever 98 and' the other direction. LThe lever is connected' to the rod 96 by means of a bell crank lever 99 and connecting links 101, and consequently a pull on the rod will disengage the clutch mechanism and also check the motion the shaft 64, by setting the brake.

The shaft 64 is the main driving shaft of the machine andthe cams 33 and 39, as well as the cams 63, 66 and 77 are mounted on it. A worm 102 is also mounted on the shaft (il and forms a part of the envelop feedroller driving mechanism. This worm is similar to an ordinary mutilated gear, since it has one peripherally extending tooth 103, which renders the worm ineffective as a driving agent while it is in engagement with the worm wheel 104C. The wheel 10d is mounted on a short sub-shaft 105, on which is mounteda gear r106, meshing with agear 107, mounted on the shaft 15 of the bottom roller of the last set of rollers 51. The shaft 15 of this roller is provided with a bevel gear 16 which meshes with a bevel gear 17, mounted on the shaft 18. The shaft 61 operates to continuously rotate the worm 102, while the `motor 86 is operating and the clutch mechanism is effective as a power transmitting agent, but vthe worm 102 intermittently drives the envelop feedrollers, since the worm wheel 10a remainsy stationary while the peripherally extending tooth 103, of the worm, is in engagement with a slot formed in one of the teeth of f the wheel.

The operation of the apparatus is as follows: The envelops are fed, end foremost, across the receiving end of the table 12, and are delivered to the feed-rollers 13 and 14, with their flaps extended. rljhe table is wide enough at its receiving end to wholly support the envelop and its extended flap. The table is, however, cut away along the line 108 in Fig. 1 so that it exposes the flap to the moistening roll 11. As `the envelop proceeds between the rollers 13 and 14 its flap is forced downwardly against the roller 11 by the depressor 26 and before the rear end of the envelop is disengaged by the rollers 13 and 1a its forward end is received by the first set of rollers 29, which assist in moving it forward along the table. As the envelop is moved forward toward the first stop position by the two sets of rollers 29, the folder 31 is moved forward so that it engages the depending flap of the envelop and moves it up in the folded position against the body portion of the envelop. During the period that the envelop remains stationary on the table in the irststop position, the folder 31 continues to hold the flap in the folded position and, in. eiect, forms an extension of the table 12.` The folder remains in this position during the operation of the wiper 38, and consequently presents the envelop to the wiper. As the mii envelop moves forward from the first stop position it is engaged bythe Wiper 38 Which,

l envelop remains stationary on the table and then moves into an envelop-engaging' 4position, so that it imparts just enough moistui-etc the upper right handv corner of the envelop to insure the sticking of a postage .stamp. The first set of rollers 49 receive the envelop as it moves from the first stop position, vand move it forward toward the stamp aifiXing orsecond stop position. As

has been described, these rollers are so formed that they do not engage the Wet corners, or thefupperv lportions of the envelops, and consequently the envelops are not smeared up, andthe moisture is not distributed f along them. The stamp is .then afiiXed'to the envelop While the envelop remains-stationary lon thetable, at the second stop position.k The stamp aflixing plunger 56 operates to clampcthe envelop in place on the table during the operation of severing the afiiXe'd stamp yfrom the stamp strip on the .roll 53.V Immediately after the plunger releases* the envelop the Worm 102 moves into an operative position, with relation to the Wheel 104, and, starting theV feed-rollers, moves the envelop forward through the last set of rollers 51, which engage the entire envelop and operate to seal the flap and also to eject the envelop from the delivery end of the machine. VVhenit is desired to stop the machine the bar 96 ismoved forward, as has been described, so as to release the clutch mechanism and at the same time set'the brake.

1 have also'provided means for rendering the feed mechanism inoperative so that the envelops are sealed Without being stamped. The means illustrated is clearly shown in Fig. 4 and` consists of an arc-shaped guard 111, which is so vmounted on the rod 60 that it is capable of being turned around the ratchet wheel 57 and moved between the ratchet Wheel and its actuating pavvl 58. The rod 60 extcndslongitudinally of the machineto its receiving end, is rotatively mounted on the frame portion of the machine, and is provided at its end With a milled nut which may be employed in turning the rod, and thereby turning the guard 111 about the ratchet Wheel. With this arrangement the delivery of stamps by the machine can be easily. and quickly controlled, so that the machine Will stick a stamp on each envelop passing through it,

or so that it Will seal, Without stamping the envelops. 1n addition to this the machine may be operated to deliver perforated stamps, While no' envelops are passing through it. This is rendered possible since the stamps themselves are not moistened by the machine,rbut are merely delivered oneV ment With the end of the bell crank 34,'for the purpose of holding the folder 31 in the y horizontal or full line position, While theVv machine is being employed to stamp, but not to seal envelops. This renders the folding mechanism inoperative. f

The perforating die and anvil,as illustratedY in Fig. 10, are so formed that the stamp is disengaged from the perforating tipsof the die, as the die moves to its uppermost position. This is accomplished by providing overhanging fianges 114 on the anvil, which coperate to form a guide for the die, and a Way through which the stamps pass on being delivered to the stamp-affixing plunger. The operating mechanism of the perforating die is so adjusted with respect to the motion limiting devices of the anvil,

that the die moves up beyond the lower faces Vformed Within the anvil 55 and with which the tip receiving apertures, formed in the anvil, communicate. rThe punchings fall into this inclined passage and the motion of the anvil tends to discharge them fromthc passage. They may, however, be easily removed in case the passage becomes clogged,

since it is open at both ends.

1t will be understood that various changes, substitutions, and modifications, as well as various omissions and additions may be made in the apparatus illustrated Without departing from the spirit and scope of my `invention as set forth in the appended claims. The apparatus may be employed in connection with suitable and Well known means for automatically feedingrenvelops to the feed rollers 13 and 14, Which Will operate in conjunction .with the various mechanisms illustrated and Will properly time the delivery of each envelop With reference to the operation of the flap-folding and stampaiiixing mechanisms, so that each envelop will occupy the proper position on the table during the flap-folding and stamp-adining operations. 1t will also be understood that the machine may be employed in connection with means for automatically timing the operation of the flap-folding and stamp-aiiixing mechanisms, which is itself controlled by the passage of envelops along the table.

lVhat l claim is:

l. In an apparatus of thecharacter described, means for moistening the envelop flaps, a swinging folder for folding the flaps back against the envelop bodies, means for sealing the envelops, means, operative during the folding and sealing operation for applying moisture to the stamp receiving` portion of the envelop and mains for applying a stamp to the moist portion of the envelop.

2. ln an envelop sealing and stamping machine, a tlap-folder, a Wiper for meistening the stamp-receiving portion of the envelop, means for moving the envelop past the wiper, means for holding the folder in engagement with the envelop during the moistening operation, and means for applying a stamp to the moist portion of the envelop.

In an envelop sealing and stamping machine, a table along which the envelops to bc sealed and stamped pass, a stamp atlixing plunger for pressing a stamp against each envelop and for clamping the envelop on the table during the aifixing operation, and a stamp perforating means for perforating stamps delivered to the plunger and for severing each stamp from the stamp roll, while the envelop is clamped in place on the table.

ll, In a machine of the character described,

a table, means for moving envelops along the table, a stamp perforating mechanism, a stamp aflixing plunger and a stamp feeding mechanism for feeding stamps to the perforating mechanism and past the perforat-ing mechanism tothe plunger, and means for actuating the plunger to aiiix stamps on envelops located on the table.

5. ln a machine of the character described, a stamp aiiixing mechanism, comprising, a stan'ip feed mechanism, a perforator to which. stan'ips are fed, a stamp affix-ing plunger lo- 'ated adjacent to the perforator and means for simultaneously actuating the perforator and the plunger.

(3. In a machine of the character described, a table along which envelops to be stamped are moved, a stamp perforator, a stamp afixing plunger, means for feeding stamps to the perforator and to the stamp aiiixing plunger, means for actuating the plunger to aflix a stamp on an envelop located on the table and means for actuating the perforator to perforate a stamp and to sever the affixed stamp from the stamp roll.

7. ln an envelop sealing and stamping machine, a table across which envelope to be sealed and stamped are moved, means for engaging and impelling envelope across the tascribed, a table across ble, means for intermittently actuating the envelop impelling means and thereby causing envelops to stop intheir passage across the table, a stamp aiiixing plunger for pressing a stamp against an envelop on the table While the envelop is: at rest, severing means for severing the aitiixed stamp from a stamp strip, and means for actuating the stamp afixing plunger and the stamp severing means during periods of rest of the envelop impelling means.

8. ln a machine of the character described, a table across which the envelops to be sealed and stamped are moved, means for moving the envelops across the table, a. moistening roller for wetting the gummed surfaces of the envelop as the envelops move across the table, a folder for moving the moistened flaps to a closed position, means for moistening the .stamp-receiving portion of the envelop, stamp perforating and aflixing means and means for actuating the envelop impelling means so that the envelops stop in their passage along the table during the flap folding and stamp atlixing operations.

9. ln ay stamp atiixing machine, stamp feeding rolls, a movable means to Which stamps are delivered by said rolls, a movable way located between said rolls and said means and through ivhich said stamps pass, and a stamp aihxing plunger movable with said way.

10. In a stamp afiixing machine, a stamp feeding mechanism, an inclosing casing therefor, a movable stamp delivery ivay located vvithin the casing along which stamps are delivered to the exterior of the casing, means for controlling the operation of said feeding mechanism, and a stamp aftixing plunger located exterior the casing and to which stamps are delivered through said Way.

ll. ln a stamp afiixing machine, a stamp feeding mechanism, an inclosing casing therefor having a movable aperture through which stamps are delivered, a movable Way between the stamp feeding mechanism and said aperture, and a stamp aflining plimger to which stamps are delivered through said aperture.

12. In an apparatus of the character described, a Way across which envelops are movable, intermittently f moving envelop feeding means for moving envelops along the Way, astamp perforating and ailixing mechanism for perforating stamps prior to their delivery to the envelope and for aliixing them on the envelops during periods of rest of the feeding means, and means for intermittently actuating said feeding means and said stamp perforating means and for actuating said stamp atiixing means during periods of rest of the envelop feeding means.

13. In an apparatus of the character de- Which envelops are movable, a flap moistening device, a flap folding device, Ymeans for moistening the stamp receiving portion of envelops located on ythetable, a stamp aflixing mechanism and a stamp perforating mechanism, intermittently actuated envelop conveying, and flap sealing means for moving envelops acioss the table, means for intermittently actuating the envelop conveying and flap sealing means, for actuating said stamp perforating means during the operation of the conveying means and for actuating said stamp aflixing means during periods of rest of said conveying means.

14. ln an apparatus of the character described, a table along which envelops are movable, a stamp aixing mechanism for engaging envelops locatedon the table, and for aiiixing stamps thereon, a corner moisteningmechanism, comprising a receptacle belen7A the table, a. Wiper movable into said receptacle and to a positoin above the table, means for moving envelops along said table into engagement With the WiperV and means for actuating said Wiper, said stamp aflixing mechanism and said envelop sealing means.

15. In an apparatusof thefcharacter described, a table along which4 envelops are movable, a stamp aflixing mechanism for engaging envelops on the `table and for aliiX- ing stamps thereon, a Wiper for moistening the stamp receiving portion of envelops located onthe table, a Wiper actuating mech# anism for moving the Wiper to an envelop engaging position and lto a position above the envelops, means for conveying envelops along the table into engagement with the Wiper and to the vstamp aflixing means, means for severing the aiiiXed stamp from a stamp strip and means for actuating the Vstamp alixing means, the stamp severing means, the Wiper, and the envelop conveying means.

16. ln a machine of the character described, means for moistening the stamp receiving portion of an envelop, comprising a movable Wiper, arliquid receptacle, means Yfor moving the Wiper into the receptacle',

then into an envelop engaging position, and finally out of engagement vvith the envelop, a stamp aflixing mechanism for applying a stamp to the moist portion of an envelop and means for moving an envelop into engagement with the Wiper and into an operative position with relation to the afiixing mechanism. Y

17. In a machine of the character described, a table along which envelops are movable, means for moistening the stamp receiving corners of envelops moving along the table, a stamp affixing mechanism for aiiixing stamps on the envelops located on the table anda stamp perforating mechanism for perforating stamps prior to delivering them to said aiiixing mechanism and feeding means forrmoving envelops along e the table into engagement with the flap` moistening means and into an operative position with' relation yto the folder and the stamp afxing means, and means for actuating said envelop feeding means, said Vstamp L aflixing means and said folder.

19. ln' a machinefor sealing and stamp-y ing envelops, a table along Which envelops are fed, feed rolls for intermittently advancing envelops along the table, a folder for engaging the iiaps of envelops on the table and for moving them to sealing posi-l tions against the body portion of the envelop, means for actuating the folder While said rollers are inoperative, means actuated by said last-mentioned means for applying moisture to the stampreceiving portion of an envelop engaged by ther folder, and means for afiixing a stamp to the moist portion of the envelop.

20. In a machine of the character described, a table across which envelops to be stamped are fed, rollers for moving the envelops across the table, means for moistening the stamp receiving portion of each envelop traversing the table, comprising a Wiper movable from a positionbelow the table to an envelopengaging position above the table and finally to a position above the envelops on the table, a stamp afxing means for applying a stamp to the moistened portion of the envelop, and a stamp severing means for severing an aflixed stamp from the stamp strip. y

21. A machine'of the character described, comprising, a Way along Which envelops are movable, means for moistening the receiving portions of envelops moving along the Way, a stamp aflixing plunger for en-Y gaging envelops traversing the Way, and for pressing stamps on the moistened portions thereof, stamp feeding means for Vdelivering Ofi stamps to the f plunger and for severing affixed stamps from the stamp strip, a ratchet and paWl for actuating said means,

intermittently actuated means for feeding f envelops along the Way and means for intermittentlyr actuating said Venvelop feeding means, and the inoistening means, and

`for moving the plungerfduring periods of rest of the feeding means. 22. An envelop stamping machine coinprising, a table along Which envelops are movable, a movable plunger for aftixing Stamps on envelops located on the table, a

stamp roll, means located between the roll and the plunger for gripping the strip of stamps fed from .the roll and for holding the strip s0 that a stamp is held in position below the plunger, and means for moving said last mentioned means simultaneously with the folder and for severing the afiixed stamp after the plunger is in engagement with an envelop on the table.

23. An envelop stamping machine comprising a table, along which envelops are movable, a stamp aii'xingv plunger movable to engage an envelop on the table, a stamp delivering mechanism for delivering stamps toy the plunger, a stamp perforating device 15 in position below the plunger and means 20 for moving said device simultaneously with the plunger and for actuating it to sever the aliixed stamp after the plunger is in engagement with the envelop on the table.

WADE HAMPTON HANGER. Witnesses: n

E. B. Locnn, A. S. HANGER.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for ve cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. G. f 

